Thunder turns to veteran captains for leadership

STOCKTON - Rich Kromm figures sometimes the obvious and most predictable choice is also the correct one.

Scott Linesburgh

STOCKTON - Rich Kromm figures sometimes the obvious and most predictable choice is also the correct one.

Kromm picked veteran forward Garet Hunt to return as the franchise's captain. He joins Craig Valette (2009-11) as the only captains to serve in two seasons.

Hunt is the longest serving player in team history, competing in 314 games in his six seasons with Stockton. He was praised by former coach Matt Thomas and his teammates for his leadership last season as the Thunder won the Western Conference and advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals, where it lost to Reading in five games.

Kromm, who replaced Thomas in July, said he has also seen Hunt's abilities during training camp.

"I think there is a carryover from last year and he was the leader of a team that went to the finals," Kromm said. "And I'm impressed how he is in the locker room. He's a real vocal leader who isn't afraid to say what needs to be said."

Hunt, 26, is a native of Maple Ridge, B.C., but spends much of his time in Stockton in the offseason and recently bought a home in town.

"It's definitely a great honor, I'm excited for the opportunity in the new season," Hunt said.

Kromm said Ryan Constant will serve as an alternate captain, a role he filled last season. The second alternate captain was not announced.

The season begins 7:30 p.m. Saturday when the Thunder hosts the Colorado Eagles at Stockton Arena.

Stockton's American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, sent defensemen Mike Dalhuisen and Mike Keenan to the Thunder and recalled forward Nick Larson.

Dalhuisen and Keenan have been with the Tigers but have not played in a game. They will not be on the season-opening roster which was sent to the ECHL on Wednesday and will be released today, and Kromm will have to add them later.

The franchise has made a deal with the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel next to the arena to show all 36 road games and any road playoff games this season.

The hotel will also host pregame festivities for home games, and select Thunder players will be available for autographs afterward.